ODOT to tweak Route 615-Route 2 interchange in Mentor

Some more changes are coming to the Route 615-Route 2 interchange in Mentor in an effort to ease traffic flow.

City officials are seeking several modifications in the area after observing some alignment issues after work completed for the Ohio Department of Transportation's ongoing Route 2 lane addition and modernization project.

City Manager Ken Filipiak announced this week that ODOT has agreed to make the changes at no cost to the city.

Modifications will include:

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-- Widening Route 615 northbound in front of Classic Chevrolet.

-- Installing lighting under the Route 2 bridge to improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians.

-- Posting lane designation signs on the bridge for northbound and southbound traffic.

"These were added to provide more positive guidance for motorists that are traveling through this area," said Amanda Lee, ODOT public information officer.

The road widening will resolve an awkward shift in the road for northbound traffic.

"This will eliminate the need for through traffic to keep right or change lanes," Mentor Engineer Dave Swiger said.

"It will also better align the existing northbound curb lane with the newly constructed pavement."

The lighting was omitted from the original plans, Lee said. Swiger said improving the visibility of lanes under the bridge will be of particular benefit in poor weather conditions.

The work is to take place this spring and be completed by July, Lee said, adding that ODOT is awaiting an official schedule from the contractor, as well as cost estimates.

The city will re-evaluate the 35 mph speed limit at the location after the modifications are made, Swiger said.

"At that time, it will be determined whether the speed limit will be officially changed to match the advisory speed of 25 mph posted during construction," he said.